Harley-Davidson Retail Sales Slump and 4 Stock Analyses Buzzing Today

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) price target has been increased by Deutsche Bank due to expectations that hepatitis C virus treatments will raise the company’s peak sales of GS-7977. The firm predicts that HCV annual treatments will double in the U.S. from current projections by 2020, and the firm has decided to keep a Buy rating on the stock.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP), CSX (NYSE:CSX), and Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) have been downgraded by UBS to Neutral from Buy, and Kansas City Southern (NYSE:KSU) has been downgraded to Sell from Neutral. This is credited to valuations, expectations for more competitive pricing, and coal volume reductions.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG): According to UBS, Harley-Davidson’s August U.S. retail dealer sales saw a 10 percent drop year-over-year after it declined during July and remained flat during June. According to the firm, September sales could be boosted because of the later introduction of new model year but this will not recur. Shares have a Neutral rating and a $45 price target.

Energizer Holdings Inc. (NYSE:ENR) target has been increased by RBC Capital following the its announcement regarding higher than expected cost savings for restructuring. The firm keeps its Outperform rating on the stock.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) price target has been increased by Jefferies after it estimated AbbVie’s valuation at $55 per share. The firm names Abbott as its top pick again through 2012.